Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya

Brief description of organization: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), founded in 1971, is a technical university offering courses at any level (BS, MS and Ph.D.) in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Computer), Architecture, Applied mathematics, Economics and Health Sciences. Within the UPC, the Department of Construction Engineering (DEC) is deeply involved in education and research in the fields of construction materials and design, analysis, construction and maintenance of concrete, steel and masonry structures. Research on the latter has included mechanical characterization, numerical modeling, monitoring, conservation and strengthening. Among the facilities of UPC relevant to structural assessment are the Laboratory on Technology of Structures and the Service on Applied Geophysics, both of which benefit of significant experience on applications related to historical masonry buildings.

Brief description of tasks attributed: UPC is leading WP9 on Knowledge based assessment. It will coordinate the flow of information from previous experimental WPs into WP9 for the calibration and development of sensors. UPC will contribute to this package by laying out the general monitoring strategy based on the results of previous work packages and by coordinating its implementation to real case studies. UPC will also contribute to the structural modelling and design optimization tasks included in WP4 and 5, as well as to develop simplified models to seismically assess substructures (before and after retrofitting) within WP 8.

Previous experience relevant to tasks attributed: During the last years, the DEC has participated in more than 50 research projects funded by the Spanish Government or the European Commission. A significant part of these projects were related to the analysis and conservation of architectural heritage (including ARQ2002-04659, "Strength response and strengthening of masonry constructions subject to cyclic and dynamic actions [2003-2006] and BIA2006-04127 "Experimental analysis and modeling of the response of masonry structures subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane loading", funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology, and, ALA/95/23/2003/077-122 "Seismic Resistance of Cultural Heritage Buildings" [2004-2006], TIP3-CT-2003-001653 "Sustainable bridges - Assessment for future traffic demands and longer lives" [2003-2007], funded by the European Commission.

Short profile of staff members:

Prof. Pere Roca received his Civil Engineering degree in 1985. His research focuses on analysis and conservation of architectural heritage constructions and monuments. He has published over 100 papers in scientific or technical journals and conference proceedings. He has supervised 6 Ph. D. thesis specifically oriented to analysis and conservation of masonry historical structures. He is co-editor of the Int. Journal of Architectural Heritage(Taylor & Francis). He has been chairman of ICOMOS / ISCARSAH international scientific committee on structural analysis and restoration of historical structures during 2005-2008. Co-organizer of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4rd International Seminar on Structural Analysis of Historical Structures (organized between 1995 and 2006). Consultant in over 50 case studies in Spanish monuments including churches and Gothic cathedrals, Medieval monasteries, masonry bridges and 20th c. modernist heritage.

Prof. José L. Gonzálezbenefits from more than 30 years of experience related to inspection, conservation and restoration of historical buildings,

Dr. Climent Molins has participated several research projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education. He has been consultant in over 20 case studies in Spanish monuments including churches an masonry bridges. Both have collaborated with Prof. P. Roca in several research projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education.

Dr. Caselles is a post-doctoral researcher experienced in monitoring and geophysical survey of building and civil engineering structure.

Eng. Jaume Clapés is a graduated technician responsible of the Service and Laboratory of Applied Geophysics of UPC.